About Us
MEND is an acronym for Meeting Each Need with Dignity. This summarizes the goals and purpose of this organization. We are an independent Christian service organization dedicated to meeting the physical needs of area residents and transients as a manifestation of our faith. Our goal is to do this in a way that respects the integrity and dignity of each person.
This ministry is not sectarian. We make no restrictions on who we serve, nor do we restrict who may volunteer as long as they are comfortable with the philosophy of our organization.
MEND had its beginning in 1983 when the local Ministerial Association decided to begin a cooperative effort to start a community food bank. Eight churches gave support and volunteers to staff the food bank one morning each week. A room was provided by the Community United Methodist Church. Due to an increasing demand for food bank services and a desire to meet additional needs in the community, this effort was eventually expanded to include a thrift store. It was also moved to a new location offered by the City of Leavenworth, and became known as the Community Cupboard.
The Ministerial Association made a decision that in order to carry out the expanded vision of the Community Cupboard, they would need to hire part time staff and formally incorporate as a nonprofit organization. Consequently, Upper Valley MEND was formally incorporated under the laws of Washington State in 1988.
The Community Cupboard is located at 219 14th street in Leavenworth, and currently consists of a thrift store and food bank, as well as an emergency shelter. The Cupboard also provides emergency financial assistance, in the form of rent/mortgage and utility support, and transportation assistance.
A new chapter began for Upper Valley MEND in 1995 when the Board made a commitment and investment in addressing the need for affordable housing in the area. Various options were explored, and in 1998 a local orchardist offered Upper Valley MEND the option to purchase 15 acres of land suitable for development within the urban growth boundary of the City of Leavenworth. The decision was made to establish a community land trust as a way to make home ownership possible for low to moderate-income families.
This effort became known as SHARE Community Land Trust. SHARE stands for Securing Homes on Affordable Real Estate, and uses the Community Land Trust model to provide & secure affordable housing in the greater Leavenworth area. There are currently two SHARE neighborhoods (with 10 homes each) in Leavenworth: Alpine Heights and Aldea Village.
Most recently, the Ministry of Upper Valley MEND has expanded even more to include the Upper Valley Free Clinic as well as Cornerstone Community Adult Family Home
